Transfer mechanism

Abstract

A transfer mechanism ( 28 ) for providing linear vertical displacement of a fitting ( 46 ) on a flexible tubular conduit ( 48 ). The transfer mechanism includes a clamping mechanism ( 34 ) adapted to connect and secure a fitting ( 46 ) on a flexible tubular conduit ( 48 ) to the transfer mechanism ( 28 ); and a conveyor system ( 30 ) configured to linearly displace the clamping mechanism ( 34 ) from a first position towards a second position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A transfer mechanism for providing linear vertical displacement of a fitting on a flexible tubular conduit comprising:
 a clamping mechanism adapted to connect and secure a fitting on a flexible tubular conduit to the transfer mechanism; 
 a conveyor system configured to linearly displace the clamping mechanism from a first position towards a second position, the conveyor system comprises at least one deployment cable for facilitating the linear displacement of the clamping mechanism from the first position towards the second position; 
 a rotatable arm, wherein the at least one deployment cable depends from the rotatable arm; 
 a sheave associated with each of the at least one deployment cable and being connected to the rotatable arm, the or each sheave is adapted to be moveable between an operating position and a stowed position; 
 a multi-part linkage assembly configured to connect the or each sheave to the rotatable arm and to facilitate the movement of the or each sheave between the operating position and the stowed position, the multi-part linkage assembly is adapted to be moveable between an extended position wherein the or each sheave is in the operating position, and a retracted position wherein the or each sheave is in the stowed position; and 
 wherein movement of the multipart linkage assembly between the extended position and the retracted position causes rotational movement of the or each sheave relative to the rotatable arm. 
 
     
     
       2. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to connect and secure an end fitting on a terminal end of a flexible tubular conduit to the transfer mechanism. 
     
     
       3. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 1 , further comprising an adapter for connecting the fitting to the clamping mechanism. 
     
     
       4. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 3 , wherein the adapter comprises a clamp engaging portion for engagement with the clamping mechanism. 
     
     
       5. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 3 , wherein the adapter comprises an eyelet at an end of the adapter for connecting the adapter to a cable. 
     
     
       6. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the adapter is connectable to the fitting by one or more of fasteners, a hub clamp, or a loose fitting. 
     
     
       7. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a pair of jaws moveable between a first open position and a second closed position. 
     
     
       8. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 7 , wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a mechanical lock mechanism for securing the jaws in the second closed or engaged position. 
     
     
       9. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 8 , wherein the adapter comprises a clamp engaging portion for engagement with the clamping mechanism, and wherein the clamping mechanism comprises an internally protruding rim adapted to support the clamp engaging portion of the adapter. 
     
     
       10. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a pair of jaws moveable between a first open position and a second engaged position. 
     
     
       11. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the operating position is a horizontal distance of at least 1 m from the stowed position. 
     
     
       12. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 1 , further comprising a frame coupled to each sheave and said clamping mechanism is suspended at a distance from the frame(s). 
     
     
       13. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 12 , further comprising at least one mechanical actuator adapted to adjust the distance of the clamping mechanism relative to the frame (s). 
     
     
       14. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 13 , wherein the mechanical actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder. 
     
     
       15. The transfer mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the conveyor system comprises a pair of spaced apart guide rails for facilitating the linear displacement of the clamping mechanism from the first position towards the second position. 
     
     
       16. A pipelay tower comprising:
 a transfer mechanism for providing linear vertical displacement of a fitting on a flexible tubular conduit according to  claim 1 . 
 
     
     
       17. The pipelay tower according to  claim 16 , wherein the clamping mechanism is moveable vertically between the top of the pipelay tower and the bottom of the pipelay tower. 
     
     
       18. The pipelay tower according to  claim 16 , further comprising at least one tensioning means, said at least one tensioning means being retractable from a firing line of a flexible tubular conduit. 
     
     
       19. The pipelay tower according to  claim 16 , further comprising one access or work platform proximate the top of the pipelay tower, and a moving floor assembly associated with the at least one access/work platform. 
     
     
       20. The pipelay tower according to  claim 19 , wherein the moving floor assembly comprises a first floor section and a second floor section, the first and second floor sections being extendable towards each other and each comprise a notch therein adapted to receive a portion of the fitting therein. 
     
     
       21. The pipelay tower according to  claim 20 , wherein the first floor section and second floor section are vertically offset from each other such that second floor section will partially overlap the first floor section when the first and second floor sections are fully extended.